guided by the light

Community Mural Project

The GRID Project is a major public art initiative led by SWG3 in Glasgow, designed to bring large-scale, meaningful murals to the city’s communities. As part of its mission to connect art with local identity, the project had over 600 international artists applications.

From this competitive pool, only two artists were selected — Jay Kaes and Gera — based on the strength of our artistic styles .

We were given the opportunity to develop and paint our own unique mural each, inspired by community workshops and stories shared by residents.

The GRID Project is not just about painting walls, it's about transforming public spaces with purpose, honoring history, and inspiring future generations through art.

phase 1: Research

In January 2025, we travelled to Glasgow as part of the Yardworks GRID residency to connect deeply with the heart of Govan, not just its spaces, but its people and stories. Thanks to SWG3 and the GRID Project team, we were welcomed into the community through organized visits, meetings, and guided explorations.

We spoke directly with residents at local pubs, the library, Govan Church, and during a warm interview at Sunny Govan Radio. We discovered ancient stones, glimpsed the old shipyards, and visited the Riverside Museum, all while uncovering powerful stories of resilience and pride in the archives and through conversation.

This wasn’t just research, it was real connection. We felt the spirit of a community shaped by history and unity, yet forward-looking and full of hope. These experiences became the emotional foundation for a mural designed not just to decorate, but to truly reflect and honor the soul of Govan.

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Phase 2: Community Engagement

In this phase, we shifted from research to real connection, stepping into spaces where Govan and Linthouse’s voices could be heard. With the generous support of the Yardworks GRID team, we led two powerful workshops, one at the Maslow Community Centre and another at the Linthouse Housing Association.

These weren’t just talks, they were creative exchanges built on trust, laughter, and imagination. We engaged with people of all ages and backgrounds, asking open questions like: What does this place mean to you? What are the vibes here? What future do you see?

Participants wrote down meaningful words, pride, strength, home, growth, unity, and together we painted and discussed them. Out of many perspectives, three shared values rose to the top: Resilience, Community, and Diversity. These became the symbolic heart of our mural.

We also took part in a workshop at the legendary Glasgow Press, learning traditional letterpress printing, a nod to Glasgow’s creative heritage and a reflective moment in our artistic journey.

Throughout this phase, art became a shared language. As we painted together, stories surfaced and connections grew. It was a joyful, authentic experience of listening, making, and co-creating, truly rooted in the spirit of Govan.truly rooted in the spirit of the place.

Phase 3: Design & Installation

With sketchbooks full of ideas and hearts full of stories, I returned to the studio to transform our shared conversations into a final mural design. Every word, symbol, and emotion from the workshops shaped a visual narrative grounded in Resilience, Community, and Diversity.

In close collaboration with the GRID project team, I presented the concept to local stakeholders and community representatives. Their approval meant everything,

“Guided by Light” reflects Govan’s strength, optimism, and unity. Inspired by local stories gathered during the workshops, the mural integrates my signature square divisions mixed with tartan-inspired patterns, honoring Scottish heritage. At its center, a determined figure embodies resilience and transformation, she represents hope and an unbreakable spirit. Her leather jacket, embossed with the Scottish flag, conveys cultural pride and confidence. A fragment of a shipyard pays tribute to Govan’s industrial legacy and hardworking roots. In the foreground, a blooming snowdrop, a powerful Scottish symbol, signifying endurance, new beginnings, and triumph over adversity. This mural is a tribute to a diverse, welcoming, and resilient community, embracing the future with hope.

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The final and most intense phase was also the most rewarding: the mural installation. Despite two rainy days, we were gifted with rare sunny spring weather in Glasgow, perfect for painting.

The energy was electric. Passersby stopped to chat, smile, and share how the mural made them feel seen and proud. These spontaneous moments became the mural’s final, human layer.

In the end, the mural didn’t just reflect the community’s voice, it amplified it. It became a shared achievement for Govan, the GRID project, and for us as artists. A wall transformed into a symbol of connection, pride, and belonging.

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The Wall

This was no ordinary canvas. The wall’s complex geometry, with two massive side columns, three staggered planes, and a partially obstructing tree, posed real design challenges.

Rather than resist these features, I embraced them, treating the structure as a 3D puzzle. The mural was crafted to align with the architecture, ensuring every angle worked in harmony. From afar, it reads as one bold, unified image, up close, it reveals layered complexity and precision.

“BEEN AMAZING WATCHING FAMILY’S BRING THEIR OLDER RELATIVES UP FOR A WALK TO SEE THE ART WORK…THEY MUST WORKED ON THE SHIP YARDS BACK IN THE DAYS ”

— Building Resident

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

This mural is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of connection, pride, and community spirit. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved:

Lucia, for her unwavering support in painting with me and documenting the mural process.
SWG3 and the Yardworks GRID team, for their dedication and organization, making this project possible.
Linthouse Housing Association, Maslow Community Centre, and Sunny Govan Radio, for opening their doors and hearts during our talks and workshops.
And, of course, to Glasgow City Council and all the participants from the workshops and the wonderful people of Linthouse, Govan, Place Fund, Creative Scotland, and Glasgow for their warmth, enthusiasm, and love for the project.

We are truly grateful to each and every one of you!

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Limited Edition prints

Explore Jay Kaes’ finest prints, blending urban art with social commentary. Limited editions, hand-signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.

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Originals

Explore Jay Kaes’ original artworks, from canvas paintings to intricate drawings, each reflecting his unique glitch pop style and bold social commentary. These one-of-a-kind pieces are a rare opportunity to own a part of his evolving story. Available for a limited time only.